Can a Girl Grow Taller After 17? The Truth You Need to Know
Well, this is a question I’ve heard a lot, especially from girls who feel like they’ve hit a growth plateau at 17. I get it—it can be a bit of a disappointment when you’re hoping for those last few inches to show up, and it seems like your body has stopped growing. But does that mean you’re done? Is it impossible to grow taller after 17? Let’s dive into this and find out the truth behind the growth process!
The Science of Growth: When Does It Stop?
First things first, you need to understand the biology behind growth. You might’ve heard that girls usually stop growing around 18, but the reality is a bit more nuanced.
Growth Plates and Their Role
At puberty, your growth plates (the areas of developing cartilage near the ends of your bones) are the key players in determining how tall you can get. In girls, these growth plates typically close around the age of 16 to 18. Once they close, it’s much harder—though not entirely impossible—to gain height. So, if you’re 17, your growth plates could still be open or just about to close, depending on your body.
Honestly, I know a friend who grew another inch or so after turning 18. She was super excited, but also a bit surprised, considering the general rule is that growth slows down drastically after 17. But her case was a bit of an exception, so don’t get your hopes up too high just yet.
Can You Grow Taller After 17?
Now, I’m sure you’re wondering: Can you actually grow taller after 17? The short answer is—maybe. It depends on your growth plates and how close you are to full skeletal maturity. If your growth plates are still open, there’s a possibility you could grow a little more. But if they’re closed, growth in terms of height is pretty much done.
Factors That Influence Growth After 17
There are a few factors that can influence whether you can grow taller after 17. They’re not magic tricks or secret hacks, but they might give you a tiny edge:
Genetics: Let’s face it, your genetics play a massive role in how tall you can get. If your family members are tall, you might have a bit more room to grow. If they’re on the shorter side, your growth potential might be more limited.
Nutrition: I know, I know—everyone says "eat your veggies," but honestly, a healthy diet with all the necessary vitamins and minerals can support the best possible growth during your growing years. Calcium, vitamin D, and protein are especially important for bone health.
Exercise and Stretching: Physical activity, especially exercises that stretch and lengthen the body, might help improve posture, which can make you appear taller. Stretching and activities like swimming or yoga can also encourage better body alignment and flexibility.
Sleep: Don’t underestimate the power of sleep! Your body produces growth hormones while you sleep, so ensuring you get enough rest is crucial for any potential growth during your late teens.
How to Maximize Your Height Potential After 17
Okay, so you’ve learned that growing taller after 17 is possible, but not guaranteed. So, what can you do to optimize your chances?
1. Focus on Posture
Honestly, I used to slouch a lot—don’t even get me started on how bad my posture was. But I learned that standing tall with good posture doesn’t just make you look more confident; it can also make you appear a few inches taller. So, pay attention to how you’re sitting, standing, or walking. Keeping your back straight and shoulders back can really make a difference in how tall you appear.
2. Exercise Regularly
I remember a conversation with my cousin, who’s an athletic type. She always said that regular exercise helped her keep her body in shape and potentially helped her add a little bit more height. Activities like cycling, swimming, and hanging exercises (like pull-ups or hanging from a bar) could help stretch out your spine and support growth if your growth plates haven’t closed yet.
3. Stretching
Yes, stretching! It might sound silly, but stretching exercises, particularly those focused on the spine and legs, can contribute to improving your flexibility and posture. So, if you’re looking to squeeze out that last bit of height, stretching might help more than you think.
Realistically Speaking: Managing Expectations
Let’s be real for a moment. While there are ways to improve posture, nutrition, and overall health, growing much taller after 17 is not something you should rely on. If your growth plates are closed, your height is pretty much set. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever, though—there are other ways to feel confident in your body, like embracing your unique features and finding the style that works best for you.
Don’t Stress Over Height
I know it’s tempting to wish for a few extra inches. Trust me, I’ve been there! But in the end, height doesn’t define who you are. If you’re not growing taller, focus on the things you can control—your health, your confidence, and your personal growth in other areas.
Conclusion: Can You Grow Taller After 17?
So, can you grow taller after 17? It’s possible, but unlikely for most people. Your growth plates are probably closing or already closed, and your height might be pretty much determined by this point. But don’t get discouraged! Focus on posture, healthy habits, and feeling confident in your body—height is just one small part of who you are.
How much height should a boy have to look attractive?
Well, fellas, worry no more, because a new study has revealed 5ft 8in is the ideal height for a man. Dating app Badoo has revealed the most right-swiped heights based on their users aged 18 to 30.
Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.